Revolving Action

The revolving action takes its name from a revolving cylinder containing a number of cartridge chambers. One chamber at a time lines up with the barrel as the firearm is fired. Revolving cylinders may rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the manufacturer. This type of action usually is found on handguns but may be found on some older rifles. Revolving actions are referred to as either “single action” or “double action.”

Glossary

single action

Will fire only after the hammer has been cocked manually.

double action

Pulling the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer. A double-action revolver typically also can be hammer-cocked like a single-action revolver.